Deceased estates checklist – Who to notify after someone dies

March 2021 – 3 minute read

Key takeaways from this article:

 

We want to help and guide you through your bereavement. It can be extremely daunting contemplating managing the affairs of your loved one’s estate so soon after their passing. However, it’s an essential step and one that should be completed as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary bills or complications further down the track.
 

We recommend taking a look at the Bereavement Guide (PDF 632KB) for some guidance on the steps that need to be taken after losing a loved one. If you have any other questions we’ve put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions here.
 

If it’s too overwhelming, we recommend enlisting the help of family or close friends to assist you. We’ve also included a list of organisations to contact to help get you on the right track.
 

We recommend keeping track of everything using our downloadable checklist (PDF 88KB). It’s important to note down any reference numbers the organisations provide as well as the details of the employee you spoke with.
 

Keep in mind all of these may not be applicable to your situation. It’s just a list of common organisations you may need to contact.

Government organisations

Government organisations refer to any federal, state or local government organisations that will need to be notified of your loved ones passing.
 

• Centrelink: 132 300
• Medicare: 132 011
• ATO: 132 865
• Child Support services: 131 272
• Veterans’ Affairs: 133 254
• Local council
• Local post office
• Local library
• Australian Electoral Commission: 132 326
• Foreign pension authority (if unknown contact Centrelink’s International Services): 131 673

Utilities & Housing

Any utilities, plans or contracts under the deceased’s name will need to be cancelled or changed to another occupant.
 

• Landlord/tenants
• Home Phone
• Mobile Phone
• Internet
• Gas
• Water
• Electricity
• Entertainment (Netflix etc.)

Bank Accounts

The relevant banks will need to be notified of your loved one’s passing to help manage their accounts. For more information, visit our Estate Management page.
 

• Westpac: 1300 130 240
• St. George: 1300 130 549

Credit/Store Cards

Any Credit Cards or Store cards ownership will need to be transferred.

Loans

Any outstanding loans will need to be resolved by the executor of the deceased estate.

Superannuation

The deceased’s super fund will need to be notified so the balance can be received by the nominated beneficiary.

Other Financials

Financial institutions will need to be notified so they can be resolved as needed.
 

• Funeral bonds
• Funeral insurance
• Shares
• Term deposits
• Safety deposit box

Insurances

Insurance providers must be notified so any plans can be transferred or cancelled as needed.
 

• Health insurance
• Home insurance: If property is now empty, the provider will have certain requirements to continue the insurance.
• Car insurance: If insured under the deceased’s policy, you will no longer be legally covered to drive.
• Life insurance: This may be within superannuation policies or a stand-alone policy.
• Income protection
• Trauma/TPD (Total & Permanent Disability)
• Landlord insurance
• Business insurance
• Credit card insurance

Others

Any other relevant organisations should be notified of your loved ones passing to avoid paying any fee’s or to transfer any ownership if required.
 

• Religious adviser/leader
• Clubs (e.g. RSL, gym)
• Employers/Past Employers
• Travel tickets/smart cards
• ADMA – removing name from mailing lists
• State vehicle registration
• Health professionals: (e.g. doctor, physiotherapist, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist)

 

We understand this is an extremely difficult time in your life and we’re here to help in any way that we can. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Westpac Estates Management Team on 1300 130 240 or email estatesmanagement@westpac.com.au.